RJFleming

Anyone know if any bars in the CBD (Sydney) will be showing this????

As a point of reference to the following I own a company that deals specifically with developing investment strategies for those looking to purchase investment properties. Whilst the information on contained within magazines /publications such as those within APM or YIP can be useful for a base point, at the same time you need to be careful to simply rely on the information given. Investment strategies should be more considered than simply the suburbs listed within the various magazines available on the subject. Alot of the suburbs listed within those style of lists focus on one or two specific criteria and do not take into the wider issues pertaining to property investing. Aside from considering property specifics, personal circumstances and your own wealth creation goals should form the basis of any property search. Effectively property should be the by product of a strategy and property should not lead a strategy.

Hi KChappers, what sort of budget are you looking at, and were do you envisage that you'll be working?

Hi, interesting one. As Rupert above said there are a number of different suburbs and more importantly a great diversity within those suburbs. Depending on the mode of transport you may even consider looking outside of Sydney itself and more towards the fringes...... Whilst the budget is important, you also need to consider what it is that you would be looking for from a move into Sydney, and what you want from an accomodation perspective?

The fabled property price correction. Andrew, this has been floated for a long while. Whilst there has been some corrections in respect to capital growth and median house prices, these are generally within areas which by and large where over inflated due to their proximity to certain areas within Sydney, and /or within the over $2m bracket. As a point of note median house prices in every capital city within Australian grew again within the last quarter (sorry cant remeber the report, think either APM or RP Data). Ultimately there are a number of areas within Western Sydney (predominatley) which have infrastructal /regentrification projects earmarked for them, this in part to upgrade /compliment exisiting facilities and in part to allow for the increase within the projected population of the city. This could see certain areas rise (especially if there is an upgrading of transport links). Also consider that in an election year (with Western Sydney and keen political battleground) that we could see more promises for funding etc all of which may see developer /investors or home buyers look to cash in. Sydney only has two areas in which the city can grow realistically, North West and South West. With the rate with which the population is growing, property prices nearer to the CBD's and the Beaches will always hold their perceived 'overpriced' value becuase of the lifestyle benefits and proximity to the city.

Why have you been being knocked back? What areas are you looking into?

Hi Vic, Good to hear from you. What has prompted your husband to be looking in and around the Kings Langley area? Potentially this could see a commute into Epping at snails pace, as the M2 (which he would be driving on) is not the most commuter friendly. There are lots of family friendly suburbs in and around Epping, both within the north shore and the hills areas. As I said above there are plently of really good suburbs within the Hills and Northshore areas which are great for families with lots of parks, open spaces, cafes and safe (crime wise) suburbs. The west and in and around Blacktown is growing and the infrastructual projects that are in place should certainley see a big change over the next 10 or 20 years. Unfortuantly though the West of Sydney can (in some areas) have higher crime rates due to the more migrant (asian, african and middle eastern etc) population that is drawn to the area (hope I havent offended anyone). All I would say is that there are some great areas in the West, but do your research as to what the local and surrounding area is like prior to accepting a place. On the childcare front I will warn you Childcare in Sydney is expensive. You should be able to find childcare, however expect to be required to pay a bond upfront and then circa $70 - $100 per day depending on the centre. Finally if you want to discuss further then please PM me. I have a great deal of insight into the property market in and around the area that you are looking at.

Buying in an Auction? With the amount of auctions taking place throughout Sydney, at some point in your property buying life there is a good chance that you will find yourself within one. Below are a list of tips to help you through the process: Overcoming the Unknown. If you’re planning at buying at auction, and have never done so before, go and visit a couple. See what happens, experience the sometime frantic atmosphere of an auction firsthand. That way when it comes to your big day you can avoid being drawn into the emotion of the event; Look before you commit. Before attending an auction make sure where possible you have your inspections already done. I cannot stress this enough, if you buy a property under auction conditions then in most instances you enter the contract the moment the auctioneers hammer comes down; Pricing. Just because an agent has a property listed for figure x does not mean that is the true value or asking price. As a rule of thumb plus 15-20% onto the auction asking price for a more realistic price of what it could go for; Keep your cards close to your chest. It is the agent’s job to secure the best possible pricing for their client, the vendor; generally they are not on your side. Don’t give too much away regarding your circumstances and budget if questioned, remain non-committal; Research Research Research. Prior to going to the auction undertake due diligence on the pricing. Review similar properties sales prices in the immediate area, and avoid paying a kings ransom for a shack! Strategy. If you know the reserve price, ask yourself the question is it worth bidding before it reaches this limit? The reserve price is the price that technically the property becomes available for sale. If it does not reach reserve, you still have the option of negotiating with the agent after the auction. Similarly be careful about the increments that you increase your bid by. Try to ascertain the strength of other bidders and adjust your strategy accordingly; Limit. Finally and most importantly of all set yourself a limit and do not go above this limit. Remember you technically enter into the contract once the hammer comes down and if you don’t have the money? It could be very expensive for you one way or another.

If your happy to consider out of the CBD then potential you could look a little further south and commute in? Rockingham City there has a diverse economy and a fairly large British expat community from the research that I have done. Something to consider?

Hi, wifey and I are seriously considering moving out of Northern Beaches and settling within Kiama, we love the place, but really have no idea what it is like to live there day to day. Does anyone live there (we have two children under 4)? and if so what can you tell me about the day to day grind? From a work perspective I would remain commuting to the office a couple of days a week in the CBD other than that it would be living down there...advises would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance

Fair enough, both Haberfield and Lilyfield are one suburb over and thought that it could be a good short term solution...further afield you would have stanmore.

What sort of areas are you thinking about moving to Playghirl? I know a few people who have recently moved into haberfield (albeit from Drummoyne) and they found the pricing to be comparable...

Think the biggest things to consider are that things are so similar but so different at the same time and this can get alot of getting used to (I still havent). Regarding the experience over qualifications arguement. Aussies love their pieces of paper giving you accreditation within different job sectors. Having said that however depending on the industry that you are in then they should not be too much jumping through hoops and in my experience most employers are happy to take someone on board with relevant qualifications within the field that they are working within and then undertaking a conversion course if applicable. Of the many reasons to stop you coming here that is not a biggy...

Alot of things there. I've sent you a PM with some information.

Sent you a PM

Hi Carolyn, My thoughts are that you should consider going for the twelve months lease option. You can break leases here, and Realtors can only charge you a certain percentage of the outstanding balance as 'compensation'. The other thing to consider is that vacancy rates within Perth (as a whole) are quite low in comparrison to other major cities, you would be limiting your avaliable selection by stipulating 6 months only. Given that you are in a 'rush' so to speak I would probably look at the 12 month option and then try to renegociate once you are within the property for a month. After all this will give you the option to spend more time on the property search. Alterntivley you could look at utilising a Buyers Agent. A number of Buyers Agents will also undertake rental searches. Give me a PM I operate a similar company and could put you in touch with those who may be able to operate this service for you. On another note have you tried realestate.com.au or domain.com.au??

Hi, I've just started playing golf again and was wondering whether anyone out there played regularly and was looking for someone different to play with? Generally I would play off an equivalent of a 22 handicap although on a bad day (and they are frequent) likely to play off a 28 handicap. Anyone interested email me on robert@orionadvisoryservices.com.au

Just posted something about a catch up on the 15th Nov at the Australian in the rocks if you're interested?

How about we tee up the 15th November at the Australian Hotel in the rocks? Does this work with people?

Im based within Newport in Sydney's Northern Beaches but spend alot of my time in the CBD also

Hi Guys, Wondering whether there are any other ex-pat business owners on the forum who would be interested in having an informal networking catch up every couple of weeks. Providing referrals to one another and the like? Any Takers?

When would be a good time for people - thinking middle of November, say 15th. This ok with people?

I'm interested - let me know more. Been here 4 years and am 29

Hi Sunshine567 - I am in the same situation as yourself. I have been here 4 years now with my Aussie wife and its been tough meeting new people. I have recently posted on the socialising page of this forum a thread about potentially looking at POI Sydney residents getting together on a monthly basis for dinner /drinks etc...

Hi Everyone, Thanks for taking the time to read this. I am looking to acquire some office equipment (desk and bookcase mainly). If anyone has any or knows of any that is no longer required and wants it to go to a loving home :laugh: then please PM me.